Character
The catalyst in O’Brien’s decision to stay in the U.S. and fight in the war.
Elroy Berdahl
Lee Strunk and Dave Jensen's fist fight
Societal Pressures
Due to societal pressures to maintain a reputation of traditional masculinity, the soldiers in the Vietnam war rather die with their "courage" than fulfill their dreams.
Describe the harshness of Curt Lemon's death.
He was laughing one minute and the next minute he was exploded, scattered in pieces in a tree.
What is the conflict in the Vietnam War?
North vs South. North wants communism and South wants freedom, so the U.S. becomes an ally.
Breaks Lee Strunk's nose.
Dave Jensen
Character vs. Self
Tim O'Brien vs. deciding to go to war, Norman Bowker vs. PTSD/Guilt of Kiowa's death, Lit. Cross vs. Guilt of Ted Lavender's death
Shame/Guilt
Because of the shame in showing their true emotions and the guilt of not being brave, the men in the Vietnam War used their shame as motivation to cover up their fear of fighting and violence.
Describe the harshness of Ted Lavender's death.
Kiowa kept repeating, "just boom. then down." He got shot on his way back from going to the bathroom.
What does the painting, Guernica, by Picasso symbolize?
The chaos of war. The uncertainties of war. The violence of war. The tragedies of war inflicted on innocent civilians.
The narrator & rather be at Harvard than the war.
Tim O'Brien
Character vs. Society
Platoon vs. Vietnam War/Draft, Platoon's Emotions/Cowardice vs. Traditional Societal Standards of Masculinity
Death
The only way to combat the permeance of death is to become immortalized through literature.
Describe the harshness of Kiowa's death.
Where did Tim O'Brien live?
Minnesota
Needs a friend to talk to.
Norman Bowker
Character vs. Technology
Friendship
Through the uncertainty of war and its aftermath, our friends can be our rock, our anchor, and greatest source of strength.
Describe the harshness of Lee Strunk's death.
What is the central idea in the poem "Dedicated to the Infantryman?"
War is continuous (the aftermath, good vs. evil always exists, violence never stops)
Lighthearted, funny, accidentally steps on a detonator & explodes.
Curt Lemon
Character vs. Nature
Platoon vs. Vietnam Terrain, Kiowa vs. Monsoon/mud
Storytelling
The truth and power in storytelling will set you free.
or
The truth is often ugly and brutal, in contrast to the societal ideals of glory and heroism associated with war.
Describe the harshness of Norman Bowker's death.
Norman ended his own life after the feeling of guilt and purposelessness after war.
What is a grunt?